Why Wayne Elsey Built a Business Around Shoe Reuse
On the drive home from a nonprofit conference in Tampa, Wayne Elsey received a call from Haiti. The problem on the other end was a shortage of shoes. At the conference, he had just met organizations facing a funding shortage. The nonprofit organizers he had met cared deeply about their work, but many lacked the... READ MORE
How a Shoe Drive Fundraiser Helped Danielle Jackson Reach Uganda
Danielle Jackson kept noticing shoe shops as she traveled through Uganda in 2019. After asking people at home to contribute footwear, she was now seeing small businesses selling shoes in another part of the world. The connection meant something to her. A shoe drive fundraiser helped her raise money for the mission trip. In Uganda,... READ MORE
12 Giving Tuesday Ideas: The Ultimate Guide
On December 2, 2025, 38.1 million Americans did something good. They donated money, gave away goods, volunteered, and spoke up for causes they love. By the end of the day, they had given $4.0 billion. That was Giving Tuesday. On December 1, 2026, it’s your turn. Below are 12 Giving Tuesday fundraising ideas, real stories... READ MORE
11 Things to Donate or Reuse (Instead of Tossing Them)
Most of us have too much stuff. Our dressers bulge with excess shirts, pants, jackets, socks, and other garments we’ll probably never get around to wearing. Closets are full of knick-knacks and holiday gifts that collect only dust. Most people would rather these items end up with someone who’ll actually use them (rather than in... READ MORE
Visiting Angels’ Successful Alzheimer’s Fundraiser
The first time, the Visiting Angels team held an Alzheimer’s fundraiser by collecting shoes, one of the team members said they felt like Santa Claus. They hoisted bag after bag over their back filled with gently worn, used and worn shoes. Each pair was fundraising currency in their shoe drive, and they loved it so... READ MORE
How to Make an Impact With an Earth Day Fundraiser
Earth Day is a powerful reminder that small actions can create meaningful change. Every year, individuals, schools, teams, and organizations come together to support sustainability, reduce waste, and protect the planet. But what if your Earth Day celebration could do even more as an Earth Day fundraiser? An Earth Day fundraiser is a great way... READ MORE
The Most Effective Animal Shelter Fundraisers for 2026
Dogs, cats, and other animals deserve to live without fear of cruelty, neglect, and other forms of mistreatment. For many people, this emotional connection just leads to a quick donation or possibly adopting a homeless pet from a local shelter. However, many individuals and groups (like you) are doing much more, including animal shelter fundraisers.... READ MORE
What is Micro-Enterprise?
What is Micro-Enterprise? In developing nations, systemic poverty makes educational and work opportunities much more difficult. So, many people decide to take their destiny into their own hands and create micro-enterprises as a means of earning income. Much like groups or individuals looking to raise funds for a cause they care about, micro-enterpreneurs work hard... READ MORE
35 Fundraising Statistics & Figures You Should Know
Fundraising is driven by more than mission and message. In short, it’s shaped by real trends, donor base expectations, and the channels people actually use to give. So, it’s part strategy, part storytelling—and the best strategies start with solid data. The latest reports can reveal what’s working and what’s changing. And it could indicate where... READ MORE
8 Easy Scout Fundraiser Ideas That Are Free
Scouting organizations, including Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) and the Girl Scouts of America, have wonderful impacts on children and teenagers across the country. Adult leaders teach participants many invaluable skills, including financial management. There’s no better time to learn about finances than during a scout fundraiser. Some of the most memorable experiences... READ MORE
Community Involvement: The Secret Sauce for Small Organizations
What comes to mind as a small grassroots nonprofit when you think about community involvement? You may think of volunteer cleanups, school bake sales, or summer fairs. That said, for small nonprofits, community isn’t just about having fun. It’s about getting volunteers and donors to support your organization. Community involvement is more than a buzzword... READ MORE
Textile Waste Crisis: Donor Beware of Clothes and Shoe Dumping
If you live in a city or large town, perhaps you’ve passed the clothing and shoe donation bins. You may have even dropped apparel into them, thinking you’re doing something good. However, that’s not always the reality. In fact, textile waste management is a complex issue, and well-meaning contributions can become environmental and social challenges.... READ MORE